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Historical April–May 2019 article. Dates, prices, services and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.
The St. Louis Fire Department has always been a great fire department.
From its inception in 1857 to the current department, the men and women protecting St. Louis from fires have always been dedicated and loyal city employees. What makes the department even better today are the medics who staff thirteen ambulances throughout the city.
These extremely busy units have saved many lives, delivered their share of babies, and in general provide excellent care to the citizens of St. Louis.
I can honestly say I am proud to have been a member of this department for thirty-years. And of course, I have many fond memories of my time working there.
The 1970’s were exceptionally memorable because of the large incidents of fires the department attended to on a daily basis.
As a new firefighter, it was a great time to really learn the job.
There are at least two ways to learn how to fight a fire in a burning building. One way is to fight fires in burning buildings every day.
The second way is to work with firefighters who really know how to do it.
During my tenure at the St. Louis Fire Department, I had both – plenty of fires and plenty of seasoned veteran firefighters to show a young firefighter the ropes.
My experience serving on Engine Company #30 was proof.
I transferred to the company in the fall of 1975 and stayed until I was promoted to captain in October of 1980.
I will always remember my time in the Skinker-DeBaliviere neighborhood.
I worked with some super firefighters while assigned there. Running the risk of forgetting someone, here is a list of firefighters who at one time or another worked on Engine Company #30 and then moved on to bigger and better things. Neil Svetanics was my captain when I first arrived at the firehouse. Promoted through the ranks, he was appointed Chief of the Department in 1986 and later to Commissioner. Ralph Jones was my battalion chief when I transferred to the company in 1975. Ralph was captain there prior to his promotion to BC. Of note, Ralph posed for the firefighter statue that stands downtown in Poelker Park across from city hall – Tucker and Market. Ed Vineyard served at the 30’s and was later promoted to captain. Upon his retirement, he was appointed Missouri State Fire Marshal, as was John Coburn. Other notables were Bill Bogue, Ken Beekman, Ron Fiala, Mark Bradshaw, Jack Thomas, Tim May, Dave Crawford, and Charlie Moser–all firefighters at Engine #30 prior to being promoted to captain.
Now that is a pretty impressive list for your neighborhood firehouse.
I sure hope I did not forget anyone – sorry if I did.
After all, I have been retired for twenty years now and the old rolodex turns a bit slower these days.
Originally published in The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, April–May 2019.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Original source: SD_Times2019_04.pdf, printed page(s) 7; PDF page(s) 7.
